Share Your Thoughts on the Illinois Budget

Like all early childhood organizations in Illinois, Chicago Metro AEYC has been paying close attention to the recent budget-related activity as it unfolds within the state government. Many of the decisions being made could affect early childhood providers for better or worse.

To encourage Illinois citizens to get involved in the democratic process as it affects them, we have been reaching out to our members and friends by way of emails, letters, phone calls, and microblogs.

And as we'd hoped, our audience has responded.

Some of you voiced your disapproval of the "doomsday" budget and called your congressmen to protest cuts to vital services that aid children and families. Others wrote in and expressed concern that raising taxes would not fix the fiscal problems facing Illinois and that lawmakers should seek an alternative method of revenue reform.

While many of us in the field hold differing opinions on the best course of action our government should take with regard to the budget, we can all agree that knowledge and dialogue on the subject is far better than inaction or apathy.

Thus, we encourage you to write comments here or on our Facebook page with your own thoughts and feelings regarding the 2010 budget. It's our hope that continued discussion on the subject can bring about the best possible solution.

For more information on the Illinois State Budget, please visit www.budget.illinois.gov.